Bosman XI: Team of stars out of contract in the summer

06 January 2011 10:47

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With all the hundreds of millionsManchester City have spent in trying to build a squad capable ofwinning trophies, one can be forgiven for feeling a little downbeatabout their bottomless pit of cash gobbling up the transfer market.

But fear not for the many clubsrummaging through the bargain bin and doing their dealings with ashoestring budget, because there is a wealth of Bosman options outthere.

The old saying goes you don't getsomething for nothing. well Sportsmail has rubbished that and puttogether a 3-5-2 formation of players who will not cost a penny intransfer fees this summer and inevitably have clubs all around Europewatching them.

Fresh start: West Ham skipper Upson is set to walk away from Upton park at the end of the current campaign

GoalkeeperRoman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund)It just goes to show the lure of the top English top flight, that you can be top of the league with a gigantic lead and still not convince one of your players to stay. The German stopper has been an integral part of Dortmund's blistering start this season but he has his eyes set on the Premier League, with Villa and Arsenal keeping tabs on his situation.

DefencePhilippe Mexes (Roma)Constantly linked with a big money move to the Premier League throughout his career, the French centre-back may finally be bound for Britain after seven years in the Italian capital. He is at the top of his game too, recently establishing himself in a starting role for Laurent Blanc's Les Bleus.

David Wheater (Middlesbrough)One of the most promising young talents in the Championship could finally be set for a summer exit from the club at which he started his career. The 23-year-old's wages are putting a huge strain on Boro's finances and a Premier League escape route, with Everton and Aston Villa amongst the heavy hitters interested, is almost certain.

Dutch of class: Bayern and Holland midfielder Van Bommel would add a wealth of experience to any side

Matthew Upson (West Ham)With a World Cup and several years of top-flight experience under his belt, many clubs are in the market for the Hammers skipper who looks unlikely to sign a new deal at Upton Park especially if Avram Grant's side are relegated. With his England career also at stake, the 31-year-old is likely to seek a side that can guarantee him first-team football.

MidfieldMark van Bommel (Bayern Munich)The World Cup's anti-hero boasts bags of experience ranging from 10 years with the Holland national side to a stint at a Champions League-winning Barcelona. A natural ball winner, the 33-year-old may be nearing the twilight of his career but his overall attributes are still a major asset, with many established European powerhouses monitoring the Dutchman's situation.

Steven Pienaar (Everton)The jewel in the Bosman crown, Pienaar has turned down staying at the Toffees beyond this season. Spurs are convinced they have won the race to sign the Ajax graduate, but there will not be a shortage of clubs eager to sign the 28-year-old.

Ronaldinho (AC Milan)Five years ago the skilful Brazilian on a free transfer would have prompted the biggest chase for a signature in the history of the game. But since the summer of 2006 - a disappointing World Cup in Germany despite leading Barcelona to the Champions League - it's all been downhill and he looks set for a San Siro exit. Could he resist a stab at the Premier League, who would take him?

Hair raisers: A host of teams will be chasing Everton star Pienaar (left) while Ronaldinho has plenty of admirers

Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan)Another contract rebel at the Rossoneri, and the 31-year-old's hefty wages will prove a stumbling block for most teams. His approach flourishes in Italy, where he always played, and for Premier League clubs the major doubt would be whether you could teach old dogs new tricks. Regardless, he remains one of the world's finest free-kick takers.

Sylvain Marveaux (Rennes)Injury has restricted the versatile midfielder this term but he still has a host of clubs chasing his signature. It is highly unlikely he will stay in France beyond this season but he could even be bound for England this month. Such is his popularity that a few sides, including Liverpool, are already preparing knock-down bids to sign him now.

StrikersMichael Owen (Manchester United)It's not happened for Owen at United, despite some good performances when called upon. The ex-Liverpool striker is struggling to even make the bench at Old Trafford and being on the wrong side of 30, he is desperate for regular first-team football at a top division club. Who knows? Maybe even a fairytale England recall lies in wait if he can bang in the goals again.

Johan Elmander (Bolton)This time last season, it was doubtful if any team from the Premier League to the Hackney Marshes were interested in the Swede. But a sudden spike upwardsin his form and performances are a key reason Bolton find themselves inserious contention for Europe. The 29-year-old looks happy at the Reebok Stadium but he seems to be keeping his options open.

I'm free to do what I want: Manchester United striker Owen could still do a job at the top level

Subs Matt Gilks (Blackpool)The 28-year-old made a tremendous start to life in the Premier League, producing a series of match-winning performances for the Seasiders. His form has even prompted a Scotland call up but he has gone public with his desire to play in the Premier League next season and looks no closer to signing a new deal at Bloomfield Road.

Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan)There's always one that is in danger of slipping through the net and this season it's Milan's long-serving centre-back. The Italian is happy with life in Italy and he looks reluctant to join another team. The Rossoneri though are continuing to stall in offering the 34-year-old a new contract.

Miranda (Sao Paulo)A target for Manchester United and Tottenham last season, his form has dipped slightly since he attracted attention from Europe, yet plenty of teams are still interested and he seems patient enough to wait for the right deal. Despite rejecting Wolfsburg, the 26-year-old still looks Europe bound next summer.

Scot free: Commons has made his mark in the Scotland team and been in fine form for Derby County

Kris Commons (Derby)A Scotland international and proven player at Championship level, but the question on many Premier League club's lips is can he cut it at the top? Nigel Clough is convinced he can keep the 27-year-old at the club but if a top-flight team takes a gamble, he has a difficult task of persuading Commons to stay.

Bradley Johnson (Leeds)Having rejected Leeds' final contract offer, Johnson is set for the Elland Road exit but the only question is when. The Championship side are hoping to cash in as soon as possible on the 23-year-old who can play in a variety of positions from full-back to all over the midfield. Wigan, Bolton and Stoke lead the chase.

Mateja Kezman (Unattached)Yes, the very same Kezman that flopped at Chelsea. The Serbian has fallen on hard times after being released by Paris Saint-Germain and is currently seeking a new club. Depending on his desperation to play, his wages may be reasonable and he could prove a serious wildcard if his best form is coaxed out of him.

John Carew (Aston Villa)The Norwegian international has enjoyed a relatively successful spell at Villa Park but under Gerard Houllier he has fallen out of favour and their looks to be no way back for the tall striker. His height makes him an ideal plan B in attack, with the added bonus of a proven Premier League track record making him a more attractive option.

Moving on up: Johnson looks set to leave Leeds and the Championship behind at the end of the current season

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